Credit: NGEN
Six emerging media professionals have been named finalists for the 2026 NGEN Award after 13 candidates presented to judges in Sydney and Melbourne.
The finalists are Pamela Anthony, strategy executive, and Sarah Barlow, trading manager, at UM; Annabelle Harrington, strategist at This is Flow; Mackenzie Jones, senior communications executive, and Mia Jones, media coordinator, at Match & Wood; and Zoe Stanek, strategy manager at Wavemaker.
The NGEN Award, now in its 16th year, is part of the MFA Awards and is open to media professionals with less than five years’ experience.
This year’s candidates responded to a brief from UnLtd charity partner Down The Track, which runs early intervention programs for at-risk young people in regional NSW.
Finalists had 24 hours’ notice before presenting their responses to judges, testing their strategic thinking, storytelling and ability to work under pressure.
NGEN Award judge Sarah Gallon, general manager – brand, campaign & media at Tourism Australia, said she was impressed by the quality of entries this year.
“The calibre of thinking, creativity and strategic insight demonstrated by these emerging professionals is a real testament to the strength of talent coming through our industry,” she said.
“It’s exciting to see such a talented new generation bringing fresh perspectives and ambitious ideas to the table.”
Down The Track founder and CEO Larn Masterton said the responses had provided the charity with ideas to help raise awareness.
“Participating in the NGEN Award has been an incredible experience for our charity,” Masterton said.
“The campaign responses from the NGEN shortlisted entrants demonstrated brilliant insights, creativity and passion, providing us with fresh ideas that will help us raise much-needed awareness.
“It’s also incredibly rewarding to be part of an initiative that empowers the next generation of media leaders.
“That commitment strongly resonates with Down the Track’s own mission to invest in young people and back them for life.”
The winner will be announced at the MFA Awards on September 24.
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